How to make the most of a small space

 

Short on space? Here's a few tricks you can keep up your sleeve to make sure your compact space is both stylish and practical.

Image via desiretoinspire.com

Hang ups

If your bedroom's a little squeezy, here's two ideas. Hang a pendant light above your bedside, freeing up the bedside table. Wall sconces will do the same thing. Here, a wall-hung bedside table in the same timber as the wall behind it keeps the look very seamless, reducing the number of visual elements. Floating shelves do the same thing, adding storage but maintaining an airy feel.

Image via designsponge.com

Art attack

Although it may seem counter intuitive, a large artwork will work better in a small space than lots of small pieces, which can read as clutter (the same goes for small decor items). Do make sure the art is in proportion to the furniture it hangs above.

Image via sfgirlbybay.com

Space savers

Built in joinery - whether a bench seat against a kitchen wall or a small study nook like this - makes sure every square metre is used. A small stool can easily be pushed under the desk when not in use. The same applies to stools and side tables in your living space - anything that can be moved around or do double duty is a plus. And if you're building in shelving or adding a freestanding shelf, take it all the way to the ceiling for maximum storage space.

Image via lonny.com

The light fantastic

Mirrors are an old favourite for small spaces - their reflective quality gives the illusion of more space, and they can also help to bounce around natural light or amplify the light of a lamp or pendant. Keep an eye out for Lucite (perspex) or glass furniture - or other styles that allow for sightlines through the room. Solid pieces, especially in dark colours, can overwhelm a small space.

Image - Louis Poulsen

Lift off

A sofa with legs is a better choice than one with a full skirt. In this case the low lines are perfect for the raked ceiling, so that the sofa doesn't look crammed into the corner. And that pendant light trick is happening again, with a limited edition Louis Poulsen pendant.

Image - Johan Sellén. Interior design by Johan Israelson, styled by Tina Hellberg.

Control colour

We're not saying everything has to be light or neutral, but we are in favour of limiting the colour palette in a small space, stopping it from feeling too 'busy'. Pick your scheme and stick with it - this will actually simplify your decorating choices, too.